Real Crime with Adam Shand

In this episode, Adam Shand speaks with Adelaide lawyer Andrew Carpenter, a man described as “the most hated by Australian child sex offenders.” Carpenter has dedicated his career to pursuing justice for survivors of child sexual abuse—specifically, by closing a shocking legal loophole that allows convicted pedophiles to hide their wealth in superannuation, beyond the reach...

More than fifty years after three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer vanished from Fairy Meadow Beach, her brother Ricki is still fighting for justice. In this episode, Adam Shand speaks with Ricki Nash about the heartbreaking failures that have kept Cheryl’s case unsolved — from a detailed 1971 confession ruled inadmissible, to decades of police inaction and bureaucratic stonewalling. Together,...

In this episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , we sit down with Steve Van Aperen — Australia’s leading polygraph examiner, widely known as the “Human Lie Detector.” After 15 years in the police force, Steve built a career uncovering deception in homicide investigations, cold cases and even everyday disputes. Adam and Steve explore the power and limits of polygraphs, t...

In this episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , we sit down with former Victoria Police inspector Pat Boyle, one of Australia’s foremost experts on street gangs. Nearly two decades ago, Boyle warned of the rising tide of youth gang culture in Melbourne — a problem many dismissed at the time. Drawing on his frontline experience, international research and a groundbreaking master’s...

In this gripping episode, Adam is joined by forensic archaeologist Dr. Louise Steding to revisit the unsolved 1953 murder of 14-year-old Shirley Collins. Shirley disappeared on her way to a birthday party in Melbourne, only to be found brutally murdered days later at Mount Martha. Despite intensive police work, the case went cold—until Louise’s meticulous research uncovered overlooked...

When a simple arrest spiralled into years of harassment, retired detective Peter Kos found himself battling more than just the lawbreakers — he was battling the legal system itself. In this episode of Real Crime , Peter shares how he became the target of a relentless group of so-called “sovereign citizens” who flooded him with threats, false accusations and legal stunts designed...

Ten years ago, Dan Saunders walked into an ATM and stumbled onto one of the strangest financial loopholes in Australian history. What started as a late-night discovery turned into millions of dollars, wild nights, global headlines and ultimately—prison time. In this conversation, journalist Adam Shand reconnects with Saunders a decade on to uncover the real story behind the myth. Was it fate...

In this episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , Adam speaks with Fleur, a survivor of childhood sexual abuse who has spent decades fighting to be heard. Abused by her stepfather and dismissed by police in the 1980s, Fleur is still seeking justice as her elderly abuser lives freely. She shares her story of trauma, resilience, and determination, while Adam asks why authorities continue to delay acti...

In this gripping episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , award-winning journalist John Ferguson of The Australian takes us inside one of the most shocking murder cases in recent Australian history — the Erin Patterson “mushroom lunch” killings. From the first police raid to the courtroom revelations, Ferguson shares how he broke the story that went global, what the jury didn&rsqu...

In this episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , renowned forensic pathologist Dr. David Ranson takes us inside the world of crime scenes, cold cases and the science that helps solve them. From the myths of the “perfect murder” to the reality of domestic violence cases, Ranson reveals how forensic pathology uncovers not just causes of death, but the human stories behind them.  See...

In this episode, we sit down with former Special Operations Group officer George Hateley—the man who introduced the taser to Australia. George unpacks decades of frontline experience, from lethal armed robberies to confronting some of Australia’s most dangerous criminals. He addresses the controversy around tasers, the Claire Nowland case and the public misconceptions about non-lethal...

A mother’s worst fear. A predator’s near miss. A miracle. In this harrowing episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , Janet and Alyce Fogarty recount the terrifying day in 1991 when 3-year-old Alyce wandered into the path of one of Australia’s most dangerous child predators, Christopher Crowther. With exclusive insights from crime researcher Eamonn Gunning, this is a chilling...

Nearly 60 years on, the Beaumont children case continues to haunt Australia. In this episode Adam Shand speaks with investigators Bill Hayes and Stuart Mullins, whose relentless search has unearthed disturbing new claims and chilling details about Adelaide businessman Harry Phipps. From grave-sized holes and suspect pound notes to fresh forensic digs and survivor testimony, this is a story of secr...

In this episode, Adam Shand speaks with Ken Mutton, the son of Geoffrey Mutton, the mastermind behind one of Australia’s most infamous forgeries—the 1966 $10 note scandal. They explore the family’s struggles, the high-stakes games with corrupt cops, and how this criminal operation led to the creation of Australia’s world-first plastic currency.   See omnystudio.com/lis...

In this episode of Real Crime with Adam Shand , we reconnect with Tom Mackie — a founding member of the Descendants Motorcycle Club, who speaks candidly from inside immigration detention. Tom reflects on the club’s rebellious beginnings, brushes with the law and eventual transformation into a family-centered, motorcycle-racing brotherhood. He discusses the controversial anti-associatio...

In this episode of  Real Crime with Adam Shand , Adam sits down with veteran barrister Philip Dunn KC to unpack the verdict in one of Australia's most shocking criminal trials: the mushroom lunch murders. Erin Patterson has been found guilty of killing her former in-laws and attempting to murder a fourth guest using deadly mushrooms. But behind the headlines lies a web of circumstantial evide...

In this episode of Real Crime , Adam Shand is joined by former detective Tina Kemp to revisit one of Australia's most baffling unsolved murders — the 1998 car bombing of John Furlan. They unpack the cast of shady characters, including a dodgy car dealer with mafia ties, a confessor with a dark past, and a bomb maker who may still be out there.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Doug Morgan, one half of the infamous After Dark Bandit duo, reflects on his life of crime, the impact of his father's criminal legacy, and the journey towards redemption. He shares insights into the thrill of armed robbery, the consequences of his actions, and the fractured relationship with his twin brother, Peter. After serving time in prison, Doug has dedicated his life to mentoring at-risk yo...

This episode features Kellie Carter-Bell  who bravely shares her harrowing journey through domestic abuse, addiction, and the heartbreaking loss of her sisters. Discover the power of resilience as Kelly recounts her transformation from victimhood to becoming a fierce advocate for women facing domestic violence. Tune in for raw, honest conversations that illuminate the realities of survival an...

Ed Toller scammed nearly $1.8 million from unsuspecting investors—not to fund a lavish life, but to feed a gambling addiction he couldn’t control. In this raw and revealing episode, Ed sits down with Adam Shand to unpack the real cost of compulsive betting, the lies that spiraled out of control, and the prison sentence that changed everything. It’s not just a story about crime&md...

George Xynas, known as the King of Sunshine, shares his harrowing journey from a troubled youth in Melbourne's gangland to a life of redemption. Xynas recounts his early experiences in a crime-ridden environment, the allure of money and power, and the violent realities of street life.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Real Crime, Adam Shand interviews David Cunningham, brother of Anita Cunningham, who went missing in 1972. The conversation delves into the details of Anita's life, the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, and the ongoing quest for answers. David shares insights into the investigation, the role of police, and the importance of closure for families of missing persons. The...

Investigative journalist Adam Shand takes listeners into his world of real crime, honed from forty years of covering Australia's biggest law and order stories. These are the firsthand stories of the cops, robbers, and victims who lived them.  Listen to episode 1, Monday, 2nd June.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.